NBA

The National Basketball Association (NBA) is a men’s professional basketball league in North America. It is composed of 30 teams, 29 located in the United States and one located in Canada and is widely considered to be the premier men’s professional basketball league in the world. The NBA was founded on June 6, 1946 as the Basketball Association of America (BAA). On August 3, 1949, it was renamed as the National Basketball Association after merging with its rival organization: The National Basketball League (NBL).

The regular season consists of 82 games per team and runs from October until April each year; during this period all teams play their opponents four times – twice at home and away. At then end of these 82 contests eight teams from each conference qualify for post-season play where they compete over several rounds culminating with an eventual champion crowned through a best-of-seven series known as ‘the Finals’. During their respective seasons both conferences may also feature mid-season tournaments such as All Star Weekend or Christmas Day Games which are often broadcasted live worldwide by various networks including ABC Sports TV Network.

In addition to hosting exciting matches between some of most talented players around, today’s NBA has become synonymous with global brand expansion initiatives that have taken it far beyond just being an entertainment source for millions worldwide but rather into a lifestyle experience shared by fans across cultures & generations alike!

Notable players who have made significant contributions to the game include Michael Jordan who won six championships during his time playing for Chicago Bulls plus Magic Johnson & Larry Bird among many others who helped shape what we know now about competitive basketball thanks largely due their popularity generated within 80s era – “Showtime Era” . Other great names like Kobe Bryant , Shaquille O’Neal , LeBron James Steve Nash Dirk Nowitzki etc…have since carried torch passed down them continuing tradition excellence set before years ago making sure future generations enjoy same level awe inspiring showmanship witnessed past decades!